Symptoms and Treatment of the Common Cold

The Common Cold

Around this time of year, it seems like everyone starts to come down with a cold. However, there are a lot of different ideas about what causes colds and how to treat them. The following information will help you to identify and treat the common cold.

Background

The common cold is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. It is the most common infectious disease among people of all ages. Although the common cold is benign and self-limiting, it can lead to secondary bacterial infections.

A cold can be spread two days before the carrier is aware of any cold symptoms. Usually, transmission occurs through airborne respiratory droplets and occasionally from objects contaminated with respiratory droplets. Children serve as the main reservoir for respiratory viruses. They commonly acquire new strains from schoolmates and pass them on to family members.

Signs and Symptoms

After a 1 to 4 day incubation period, the common cold produces symptoms such as:

• sore throat and/or pharyngitis
• nasal congestion
• Burning, watery eyes
• Fever (more common in children)
• Headache
• Cough
• Achiness
• Fatigue and weakness
• Enlarged lymph nodes

Secondary infections can result from a cold and need medical attention. A clinician should be seen if any of the following symptoms occur:

• Chest pain that persists
• Earache
• Severe or long-lasting sore throat
• Coughing up thick mucus or rust-colored sputum

Many sore throats are not serious and resolve in time. However, there are potentially serious types that require specific measures. The most potentially serious sore throat, strep throat, is fairly common. This type of pharyngitis has potential to develop into heart and/or kidney disease.

Treatment

There is no cure for a cold because it is a viral infection. Primary treatment is purely symptomatic:

1. Rest.

Plenty of rest allows the body to use the energy it needs to manufacture antibodies for killing viruses. 

2. Fluids

Increase daily fluid intake to more than 1-2 liters. Liquids are needed to thin and loosen mucus secretions. Avoid milk and soda.

3. Proper Diet

Do not "starve" a cold. Eat light, well-balanced meals.

4. Gargles

Gargle deeply to cleanse and heal the throat 2-4 times a day. Dissolve 1/4 of a teaspoon of honey in half a mug of warm water.

5. Humidifier

Cool, moist air from a humidifier helps break up congestion and thins secretions. Warm baths and showers are soothing. A hand towel wrung out with hot water and placed over the eyes and sinuses can also be soothing.

6. Medications

Pain relievers (aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen), decongestants, and cough medications can all help relieve symptoms of the common cold.

Prevention

To prevent getting sick, avoid close contact with sick people, maintain a healthy diet, and wash your hands! The proper way to wash your hands is as follows:

First, wet your hands and apply liquid or clean bar soap. Place the bar soap on a rack and allow it to drain. Next, rub your hands vigorously together and scrub all surfaces. Continue for ten to fifteen seconds. It is the soap combined with the scrubbing action that helps dislodge and remove germs. Rinse well and dry your hands with a clean towel. 

Sources:

Student Health Center. Common Cold [Brochure]. Rexburg, Idaho: Brigham Young University- Idaho

http://drkimfoster.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/common-cold.jpg

http://www.futuretimeline.net/21stcentury/images/cure-for-the-common-cold-2020-2025.jpg

http://www.teluguone.com/tonecmsuserfiles/Treatment%20of%20Common%20Colds%20in%20Children(1).jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1349229591339

http://www.urgentcare.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Healthy-Tips-for-Cold-and-Flu-Prevention-and-Treatment-2.jpg

http://knoxvillecpr.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/WASHING-HANDS.jpg

Lower Back Pain

What to Do About Lower Back Pain



Four out of five adults will experience a bout of back pain at some time in their lives. You can ward off back problems by following the simple steps listed below. Even if you've injured your back before, you can learn techniques to help you avoid recurrent injuries. The good news is that most episodes of back pain last only a short time, and less than one percent of back problems require surgery.

Back pain can occur for no apparent reason and at any point on your back. Lack of muscle tone and excess weight commonly cause and aggravate back pain. Poor posture adds stress too. When you slouch or stand with a swayback, you exaggerate your back's natural curves. Any imbalance can stress muscles and joints, causing fatigue and injury from overuse.

From the simple backache to more serious back problems, common sources of pain include: muscle strains and spasms, sciatica, osteoporosis, injuries and accidents, and fibromyalgia.

Home Remedies



1. Rest
Lie on your side on a firm mattress with a pillow between your knees, or lie on your back with you feet up on a chair or with a pillow under you knees.

2. Ice
Ice can reduce pain and swelling. Immediately after any injury, apply ice several times a day but for no longer than twenty minutes at a time. Put ice in a plastic bag and wrap the bag in a thin cloth to keep a barrier between your skin and the ice.

3. Medication
Use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines (like Ibuprofen or Advil) to reduce inflammation or use pain relievers like Tylenol (acetaminophen).

4. Exercise
Patients should begin mild aerobic exercise such as aerobic walking (preferably on grass or other softer surfaces) and stationary biking as tolerated. Exercise keeps the muscle tone intact and increases blood supply to the affected area. If sitting for a long period of time, get up and move around periodically and stretch.

Prevent Back Problems By...

Correcting Daily Posture


 When you sit, use a chair with lumbar support and a firm seat. While driving, have the seat close to the steering wheel. Keep knees flexed as much as possible and keep the seat tipped back slightly.
Don't stand or walk bending forward, and use leg muscles to lift and carry. Do not overload your back with a heavy pack, and make sure the weight is evenly distributed on both shoulders.
Don't slouch! Imagine a string is pulling you up from the top of your head, keep your core slightly engaged, knees slightly bent, and your tailbone tucked in.

Correcting Sleeping Posture



If you are sleeping in a position that puts undue stress on your back, it will have lasting effects, since your back is in this position for 6-9 hours every night. The positions with the least amount of stress on your back, as mentioned above, are on your side with a pillow positioned between your legs (to prevent you from rolling over onto your stomach and to help take the pressure off your spinal column) or on your back (firm bed) with a pillow under the knees.



For persistent pain, get professional care. In rare cases, back pain can signal serious medical problems. Contact your doctor immediately if your back pain is the result of a fall or blow to your back. Also, be on the look out for weakness or numbness in one or both legs.

If you've tried home remedies for several weeks but still have pain, your doctor may be able to pinpoint the source of your pain and may refer you to a physical therapist that can help you in several ways, including teaching you exercises that can help you stretch, strengthen, and protect your back.



Sources:

Student Health Center. Lower Back Pain [Brochure]. Rexburg, Idaho: Brigham Young University- Idaho
http://www.backandneck.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/relieving-lower-back-pain.jpg
http://www.knowabouthealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/ice-back-pain.jpg
http://www.raphysicaltherapy.com/images/posture.jpg
http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/5321e6f36da811cf28760448-1000-559/shutterstock_107926484.jpg
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